President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that his administration is close to finalizing a major agreement with Harvard University involving trade school operations.
Trump told reporters during an Oval Office event that Education Secretary Linda McMahon is working on final details for a deal worth approximately $500 million. The Washington Examiner reported that the agreement would require Harvard to operate trade schools as part of the arrangement.
The president emphasized that these institutions would teach artificial intelligence, engine mechanics, and other technical skills. Trump stressed the nation's need for expanded trade school opportunities to train workers in practical skills.
The proposed trade schools would offer instruction in artificial intelligence and various technical fields, including engine repair and maintenance. Trump indicated that Harvard would manage a comprehensive network of trade school facilities rather than a single institution.
The president described the initiative as "a giant trade school, series of trade schools" that would be operated under Harvard's oversight. He emphasized that the programs would be administered by highly qualified educational professionals.
The curriculum would address current workforce shortages in technical fields while providing practical training opportunities. Trump highlighted the importance of trade education in meeting America's skilled labor demands.
The Trump administration has maintained an ongoing conflict with Harvard over allegations of antisemitism on campus. Federal officials attempted to strip the university of government funding as part of their response to these concerns.
A recent escalation occurred Monday when the Department of Health and Human Services recommended that Harvard face suspension and debarment. The university now has 20 days to respond and request a hearing if desired.
Earlier this month, a federal judge ordered the return of $2.2 billion in frozen university funding to Harvard. District Judge Allison Burroughs ruled that the funding freeze violated constitutional free speech protections and federal law.
The Trump administration initially froze Harvard's federal funding in April and established specific guidelines for reinstatement. Universities must meet these requirements before regaining access to previously allocated government resources.
The administration issued comprehensive standards that Harvard and other higher education institutions must satisfy. These guidelines address concerns about campus climate and institutional responses to antisemitism allegations.
The Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights previously issued a June notice stating that Harvard showed indifference to antisemitism. This determination formed the basis for subsequent administrative actions against the university.
Trump explained that Harvard would contribute $500 million plus interest to establish the trade school account. All funds would be dedicated specifically to supporting the trade school operations and related educational activities.
The president characterized the agreement as a significant investment in vocational education managed by qualified academic professionals. He suggested that the successful completion of the deal would resolve ongoing disputes between the federal government and Harvard.
Trump indicated that fulfilling the trade school commitment would result in forgiveness of previous infractions, stating, "their sins are forgiven." The Washington Examiner contacted both Harvard University and the Education Department for official responses to the president's announcement, though neither had provided comment at the time of publication.